Day 1: transfer Kochkor → start of the trail, 5-6 hours trekking or horseback to Köl-Ükök Lake (3000m), overnight in a yurt. Day 2: explore the lakes, descent, return to Kochkor.
Highlights
Glacial Köl-Ükök Lake at 3000m, overnight in a yurt, trek or horseback riding
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: Kochkor – Isakeeva – Köl-Ükök Lake (Trekking: 1st day)
In the morning, transfer from Kochkor to Isakeeva Village to start the trek up to the Ters-Tör / Köl-Ükök jailoo, about 30 km south-east of Kochkor. Köl-Ükök Lake lies in a natural bowl between two steep slopes of the Terskei Ala-Too range — its name means "lake in a chest". The water is sweet and cold, reaching 17 m deep. On the way, alpine meadows bloom with forget-me-nots and edelweiss. Arrive at a yurt camp by the lake — dinner and overnight in a yurt.
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Day 2: Köl-Ükök – Köl-Tör – Kochkor (Trekking: 2nd day)
After breakfast, explore the twin lakes Köl-Ükök and nearby Köl-Tör on foot. From the surrounding ridges, a panoramic view opens onto up to nine lakes, including distant Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul. Lunch at the yurt camp. Afternoon trek back down the valley to the road and transfer to Kochkor Village. Dinner and overnight at a home-stay.